Lauren's Corner

Realistic Resolutions Throughout The Year

Well here we are just one week into the new year and I wonder what percentage of us have already gone off course with our New Year's Resolutions...

Resolutions can be made for just about anything, at any time, but typically resolutions are famous for being made at New Years and generally they have to do with self image, diet, weight loss, getting organized or just resolving to be a better person.

What most of us don't realize is that we set ourselves up for failure when we are not realistic with our resolutions. Notice that I am not referring to them as 'New Years Resolutions' because I feel that when we resolve to do something important with our lives it can be done when we are mentally ready and in a good frame of mind to follow through.

So lets resolve to make our resolutions to ourselves at just about any month of the year or at any day or week as long as we have made a serious list of what we want to accomplish for ourselves and have designed a plan of action with realistic goals in mind.

For most of us, the subject of weight loss and exercise is always lurking somewhere in our minds. We have become a nation of being self absorbed and totally obsessed with body image, so it is safe to say that 90% of people make New Years Resolutions to "Get In Shape."

Have you ever noticed how crowded the gym gets around the New Year? Look around and notice all the new faces - It is ashame to see that more than half of the new faces seem to disappear in just about one months time. Same goes for your local grocery store. All the vitamins and diet aids are displayed prominently in the front of the store for about the first week of January, then they are removed and put away back in some aisle in a small section of the store marked health food.

The reason for me giving you these two examples to ponder is where is the realistic expectation of our freshly made New Years Resolutions?

We need to eat right, take vitamins and exercise the whole year through. For most of us, gaining weight was not something that happened over night...so then ask yourself, why should getting back in shape happen in one or two months?

The point here is that realistic resolutions succeed when you resolve to pace yourself and expect to achieve small, interval goals. This is meant to pertain to whatever your resolution may be. If it is weight loss, expect to loose 1-2 pounds per month. If it is working out, then start exercising slowly, maybe begin with walking 30 minutes a day and gradually incorporate light weight training 3 times per week. If getting organized is your resolution, start with making an inventory list. This list might be material or spiritual. (Self organization can mean different things to many people.)

Whatever you resolve to do, do it your best and plan to succeed in the long run. When you have accomplished your goals...Celebrate Your Life!!

Have A Healthy Day!